AC Milan captain Ambrosini prefers Drogba to Balotelli

December 24, 2012

AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini has claimed that Shanghai Shenhua's Didier Drogba is a better player than Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

The Rossoneri have been linked with a move for both attackers in the January transfer window, and the veteran midfielder feels the Ivorian is the more complete player, thanks in part to his compatriot's temperament.

"I've always liked Drogba," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is very professional and he is welcome at Milan. Mario's talent is not enough - it's wrong to justify his behaviour with his age."

Two attackers linked with a move away from San Siro are Robinho and Alexandre Pato, and although Ambrosini would like to see the Brazilian duo stay put, he accepts that they could leave.

"Robinho is important for us and he always has a good attitude," he continued.

"He must only stay is he wants to, and he has to be motivated to play for Milan. Pato must understand what's best for him."

Ambrosini also claimed that Juventus would retain their Serie A crown easily this season and that the best Massimiliano Allegri's side could hope for was second place.

"Juventus have no rivals in Serie A. We can fight for second place as we are at the same level as Napoli, Inter, Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio. We will understand our target only in February and March."

Milan have been drawn against Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, and Ambrosini concluded by saying that his side are among Europe's best eight teams.

"Milan would deserve a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Leauge. Apart from Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, no one is better than us."